An Iranian lawmaker says chances are high for the Islamic Republic to assume the presidency of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“Iran is among the countries which, since the beginning of OPEC’s activity, has had an effective presence in the organization and enjoys a high level of expertise and experience compared to the other members of the organization,” said Hossein Amiri Khamkani, a member of the Economic Committee of Iran’s Majlis, on Saturday.

“Although there is a tight competition between Iran and Iraq to become OPEC’s secretary general, it seems that our country has a higher chance of securing this top post,” he pointed out.

The election to pick OPEC’s secretary general is scheduled to be held in Vienna on December 4, with Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia vying for the post.

“If Iran assumes the position of secretary general at the OPEC, it will definitely be influential in numerous decisions made by the organization, and also in [determining] the level of production as well as exports and imports of oil in the world,” the Iranian lawmaker noted.